Elbo Room

by cmo2user

19 Nov 2015

If you’re friends with musicians who stick to the local circuit, chances are that you’ve been to Elbo Room in Lincoln Park to see them play. If not, and if you don’t live in the area, there isn’t really a compelling reason to visit (outside of the Pac-Man table upstairs, where it’s cozy and lounge-y). You’re likely to catch one of two shows here: the way-too-hot packed basement or the sparsely attended.

To Elbo Room’s credit, the two-level bar (upstairs and basement) strongly supports local acts—rock, indie, pop, and folk bands plus singer-songwriters. Though it’s not a destination venue, bands that are building a name will want to consider booking here, and the gutsy are welcome to show up for open-mic night on Wednesdays. The list of craft beers is respectable, but this being Lincoln Park, the drinks otherwise are overpriced, charging above-average prices for standard options. You can order a pizza if you’re starving, but you’ll find better choices in the neighborhood.